Oslo Design Fair 2022 – Report by Marta Barros

Oslo Design Fair

Oslo, Norway

Dates: 31st August – 2nd September 2022

Web: www.oslodesignfair.no

Marta Barros

Portugal

Web: www.texmb.com

AN EXTRACT FROM THE CASE STUDY FOR CRAFTING EUROPE

I was a little confused about what to expect from the fair. The only one I had visited in this sector was Maison & Objet in Paris, a very large and commercial fair that also has a pavilion dedicated to handicrafts. The fair is very well organized and easily accessible by train from the city centre. The stands were very focused in the Interior Design subject and very well presented. There was space to circulate and time to talk to the exhibitors. I think I expected to find some exhibitors that were interior design ateliers or even interior architects’ offices looking for products like mine for their decorations. However, that is not what happened. I believe that architects and designers may visit this fair to see trends and find some inspiration for their projects, but the exhibitors were essentially big brands that sold furniture, textiles and decoration accessories in quantity. Unfortunately, it was also not possible to attend any conference on the schedule, as all presentations were in Norwegian.

I spoke to everyone I thought might be interested in my product because they have a similar style. Regarding the craft projects, there was very little expression at the fair with brands that were still very embryonic. Talking to them was not so productive because they were looking for a different business path than mine.

The Oslo Design Fair will not be a place where I will be exhibiting in the future. I had the opportunity to distribute flyers presenting my work. The exhibitors saw my work with admiration and some even showed interest, but in their opinion, that fair was not the place for me to show my work because what I need to sell my art is a place that allows me to position myself for design and exclusivity and not for price competition.

I think the best thing to do when faced with an opportunity like this is to open your heart and be resilient. From my experience, I have confirmed how important it is to go there and see for yourself because there is no one better than us to know where our product should be. Talking to people and listening to what they have to say is everything, feeling the vibe of the place, visiting the places of interest. And lastly maybe have a bit of courage and talk to that person about whom you have doubts because you think he/she doesn’t want to know about you, but in the end he/she gives you precious help or advice.

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